156th Bergedorf Round Table

“Iran and the West: Prospects for Cooperation”

Photo: Körber-Stiftung/IPIS

Tehran, 13- 15 June 2014

The election of President Hassan Rouhani has opened a window of opportunity for improving relations between Iran and the West. A preliminary agreement has been reached with regard to the nuclear file. However, a long list of other issues can only be tackled if both sides further intensify their dialogue and enhance mutual trust.

The 156th Bergedorf Round Table, which was held on 13-15 June 2014 in Tehran, focused on the prospects of cooperation between Iran and the West. Dr. Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, welcomed the participants to Tehran and opened the Round Table with his speech on key aspects of Iran’s new foreign policy. 30 high-ranking politicians, senior members of the administration and experts from Europe, the United States and Iran debated key questions regarding the future of the relationship. What are the mutual perceptions? How can trust between Iran and the West be built? How can cooperation on regional challenges in Afghanistan, Syria or the Gulf region best be achieved?